Category Archives: Uncategorized

Another letter from Dr. John Townsend to his wife: Peyeys Ranch  August 16th 1848 Dearest I embrace the opportunity of writing by Mr. Norris. Yesterday Moses arrived at our camp, He is in partnership with Larkin and Green. He has … Continue reading →

Dr. John Townsend came to California in 1844 with the Murphy-Townsend-Stevens wagon train, the first to bring wagons all the way over the Sierras. He was the first qualified physician in California and the first non-Mexican alcalde of San Francisco. … Continue reading →

For Christmas my daughter gave me a book in the Lakeside Classics series. These books are a bibliophile’s and librarian’s dream, and being a librarian and a bit of a bibliophile, I fell in love with the first one I … Continue reading →

Every Friday the Association for Northern California Historical Research — ANCHR — posts an audio clip on Facebook from Dr. Hector Lee on northern California folklore and history. This one is about William B. Ide, participant in the Bear Flag … Continue reading →

The year 1847 ended with the greatest expectations and it seemed that the following year would crown my success. Around my dwelling, whose doors were never locked, the former wilderness had changed into gardens and large fields of various kinds … Continue reading →

On January 8, 1850 it commenced raining in the Sacramento Valley. The rain continued for ten days, and this after an already wet winter, with rains that began in October 1849. Sacramento City, built on the riverside where the American … Continue reading →

Happy New Year to all the history buffs out there. I hope 2017 is filled with wonderful discoveries and joyful events. Are you a member of a group or club that needs a speaker? I love to speak to groups—it’s … Continue reading →